International Freedom of Expression eXchange: The global network for free expression
Free expression spotlight
4 February 2010
Iran
Systematic suppression of dissent continues
Iranian authorities are carrying out a lethal campaign to silence independent journalists and critics, report the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) and Reporters Without Borders (RSF). Two Iranian netizens and human rights activists are possibly facing the death penalty. RSF has accused the Iranian regime of crimes against humanity.
From the Communiqué
4 February 2010
Sri Lanka
Attacks on journalists on the rise after elections
Arrests and intimidation of Sri Lankan journalists continue in a post-election crackdown, especially on critics who sided with the opposition, report the Free Media Movement (FMM) and other IFEX members. Authorities have detained and questioned many journalists, blocked websites and expelled a foreign journalist, fostering a climate of fear.
3 February 2010
China
Authorities ruthlessly censor independent reporting
The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) has released a new report that highlights the arbitrary manner in which Chinese authorities forbid reporting on numerous issues, manipulating the flow of information. The Chinese media are routinely pummelled with restrictions, leaving very little room for independent news gathering.
Campaigns and Advocacy
29 January 2010
Joint action - Turkmenistan/France
Human Rights Watch and RSF urge France to press Turkmen leader to end rights abuses
The Turkmen president's visit is a key opportunity to urge improvements on human rights, said Human Rights Watch, RSF and other human rights organisations.
29 January 2010
Joint action - Honduras
Presidential inauguration must not eclipse coup's impact on press freedom, say five IFEX members
Five IFEX members and two other organisations have released a report on the state of press freedom since the 28 June 2009 coup d'état.
18 January 2010
Take action! - China
Sign a petition to help Google in its stand for free expression!
Access Now is seeking worldwide support for its petition to help "Google Stay Strong." Google announced on 12 January that it will be withdrawing from China unless it is able to operate in an unrestricted cyber environment. But there is pressure on Google to back down.
2 December 2009
Take action! - Philippines
IFJ announces Global Day of Solidarity for Philippines
IFJ calls for support in condemning the massacre of at least 30 journalists in Mindanao Province, southern Philippines.
18 November 2009
Take action! - Tunisia
Free Ben Brik in Tunisia
The Observatoire pour la liberté de presse, d'édition et de création (OLPEC) is requesting your help - post this banner on your website calling for the release of jailed Tunisian journalist Taoufik Ben Brik. He was sentenced to six months in prison on 26 November. Ben Brik was arrested in October following publication of critical articles on the recent re-election of President Ben Ali. Members of the Tunisia Monitoring Group (TMG) remain concerned about the health of Ben Brik who suffers from a chronic ailment.
8 February 2010
China
IFJ Press Freedom in China Campaign Bulletin - February 2010
IFJ Asia-Pacific's monthly Press Freedom in China Campaign e-bulletin.
5 February 2010
International
International PEN celebrates 50th anniversary of Writers in Prison Committee with year-long campaign
The campaign - Because Writers Speak Their Minds - marks 50 years of defending freedom of expression around the world.
4 February 2010
Iran
Campaigners call on Europe to press Iran over human rights abuses
In a meeting at the European Parliament, IFJ and other groups called for the release of jailed journalists, writers, trades unionists and dissidents.Urgent alerts
MEXICO: Bombs thrown at journalist's home in Tabasco The incident took place after the editor of "Tabasco al Día" refused to remove a billboard denouncing corruption at the state-owned gas company.8 February 2010 EGYPT: Journalist sentenced to 12 months in prison A court has imposed prison sentences against journalist Yasser Barakat in two separate cases launched against him by a member of parliament.
8 February 2010 VIETNAM: Writer sentenced to three and a half years in prison on trumped-up assault charge Tran Khai Thanh Thuy and her husband were the victims of violence by the security forces.
8 February 2010
Take action!
SOUTH KOREA: Sign a petition to help save the Mediact media center AMARC is concerned over the Korean Film Council's decision to dismantle the Mediact media center and force its staff to resign as of 1 February 2010.29 January 2010